‘Black Panther’ To Be First Movie To Publicly Screen In A Theater In Saudi Arabia In 35 Years

We can add another achievement to Black Panther‘s already long list of accomplishments, as the Marvel Cinematic Universe film will help lift a 35-year ban on theatrical screenings in Saudi Arabia in the near future.

In 1979, the nation began to observe incredibly conservative regulations as part of its growing push towards religious values. In the early 1980s, the closure of movie theaters was the result of this conservative movement. Last December, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the lifting of the ban in hopes of transforming the values of the country.

An AMC-branded theater in Riyadh would kick off the movie resurgence with a gala premiere of Black Panther. The building was originally an orchestra hall, featuring more than 600 luxurious seats, marble bathrooms, and multiple levels of seating.